A former Ukrainian military officer, Serhiy Kuznetsov, has been on a hunger strike for ten days while being held in an Italian prison. He alleges mistreatment by the authorities, claiming they are pressuring him to confess to involvement in the 2022 sabotage of Russia’s Nord Stream gas pipelines beneath the Baltic Sea. Kuznetsov was arrested in Italy in August following an arrest warrant issued by Germany.
In a letter shared with the BBC by his lawyer, Kuznetsov describes his incarceration as being treated like “criminal no. 1” in a high-security facility, where he is held alongside individuals accused of terrorism. He has reportedly been denied special food consistent with his vegetarian diet. Concern has been raised by his family regarding his health and apparent exhaustion during this period.
The Nord Stream attacks have generated significant controversy, initially prompting speculation about Russian involvement as part of a strategy to exert pressure on European energy supplies. In recent months, German prosecutors issued arrest warrants related to the attack for Kuznetsov and another Ukrainian citizen, Volodymyr Zhuravlyov, who was detained in Poland. The charges include “anti-constitutional sabotage,” with the legal context differing significantly between Poland and Italy. A Polish court declined to extradite Zhuravlyov, citing a potential defense under international law, while an Italian court recently approved Kuznetsov’s extradition, a decision he is currently appealing.
Kuznetsov’s lawyer, Nicola Canestrini, noted a significant weight loss during his visits, and he reported that Kuznetsov is refusing solid food but remains mentally alert. The conditions of his confinement include exercising in isolation and strict security measures, which Kuznetsov has described as excessive.
The Ukrainian government has consistently denied any involvement in the Nord Stream sabotage and has not issued comments regarding Kuznetsov’s situation. Ukrainian human rights officials have indicated they are examining the circumstances of his detention. A final appeal hearing for Kuznetsov is forthcoming in Italy.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj3zpdvxz3zo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss